December to February is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu. The weather is comfortably cool and breezy during this time to explore its architectural marvels and ancient rock-cut temples! We have provided more details on the ideal time to visit, weather conditions, and other suitable months in this blog.
Also known as Mamallapuram, it’s a vast area on the shore dotted with 7th-century monolithic Hindu temples, man-made caves, the famous Shore Temple, and a lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
58 km from Chennai, this historic tropical town spans about 13 sq km and can easily be explored on foot. See the best time to visit Mahabalipuram so that you can comfortably walk around its many iconic attractions without being bothered by the heat!
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Winter (December to February)
Peak season
Characteristics: Cool nights, warm days, December drizzles
Temperature: 20°C – 30°C
Coldest month: January (lowest – 22°C)
Festivals: Mahabalipuram Dance Festival (January)
Winter, more specifically December to February, is the most ideal time to visit Mahabalipuram. This is the most comfortable time to tour India’s tropical locations in the whole year when the weather is comfortably pleasant, the days aren’t super hot, the skies are clear, and the humidity is low.
Mahabalipuram experiences balmy days and nippy nights during these months, with the cool ocean breeze offering a refreshing respite to visitors. The air is clearer and the greenery is refreshed and rejuvenated courtesy of the monsoon rains.
We suggest you explore the town’s monolithic temples, beaches, and markets in the morning or evening and avoid the hot afternoons for maximum comfort.
If you’re into birdwatching, you can visit the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary to watch exotic migratory birds like Brahminy Kites, Openbill Storks, Northern Pintails, Common Teals, and Rosy Pelicans.
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Summer (March to May)
Shoulder season
Characteristics: Hot nights with cool ocean breeze, scorching afternoons
Temperature: 24°C – 38°C
Hottest month: April (highest – 38°)
Summer in Mahabalipuram is hot, sultry, and humid. It’s too uncomfortable to step out during the day, with the nights being just a tad bearable in comparison courtesy of the cool sea breeze.
However, there are several benefits of traveling in the shoulder season! Hotel prices are low, airfare is low, and there are fewer people around, meaning you won’t have to wait in line at tourist attractions or for activities like boating and snorkeling.
People find it comfortable to visit the Mahabalipuram beaches during this time to watch the sunset and engage in watersports like jet-skiing, kite-surfing, banana boat rides, and more.
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Vendors lining the beach sell a range of summer fruits and drinks to help you keep the heat at bay. Treat yourself to sliced cucumbers sprinkled with chili powder, fresh coconut water, kokum juice, sliced mangoes, and watermelons in addition to fresh and spicy seafood.
Wear sunscreen (SPF 50 at least), hats, sunglasses, light cotton or linen clothes, and sturdy walking shoes. Carry at least two water bottles and medication for dehydration.
Monsoon (June to September)
Off-season
Characteristics: Intermittent showers, thunderstorms, heavy winds, high humidity
Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
Highest rainfall month: November
The Southwest Monsoon commencing in June/July is much calmer with drizzles, cool sea breeze, rare instances of thunderstorms, and occasional sunny days as compared to the Northeast Monsoon which brings in heavy rain, thunderstorms, and fierce winds starting in October.
While July, August, and September offer a much-needed respite from the scorching summer with refreshingly cool weather and low rainfall, October and November are the wettest months in Mahabalipuram and should be avoided courtesy of the town’s cyclone-like conditions.
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July to September are perfect for a leisure vacation in Mahabalipuram where you can watch the rain from your beach resort/homestay, enjoy the occasional sunny afternoons on the beach, and take advantage of the sweet drizzles and less humid winds to check out attractions like the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Olakkannesvara Temple.
The weather in July-September is still good for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hikes, surfing, and boating. The rains also refresh and revive the surrounding foliage, attracting nature lovers and photographers to this beach town in Tamil Nadu.
Wear light cotton or linen clothes with water-resistant shoes. Carry umbrellas and raincoats. Keep your valuables and electronics covered, and always keep a tab on weather updates before stepping out.
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Now that you know the best time to visit Mahabalipuram, when are you going to book a trip? Reach out to us and we’ll plan the best one for you so that you can have the most memorable experiences at this charming beach town in the best weather!
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